Olympians taking a critical look at issues affecting the community. The site we opposed (that has now been dropped) was less than 100 yards from St.
Concerned Olympians is a group that is calling attention to Olympia's rising issues with IV drug use, violence, and homelessness. We are a group that is actively taking a critical look at how these issues are currently being addressed and seeking real solutions that protect our community and help those in need. Our group came together in opposition to the placement of a low-barrier homeless shelte
r in or adjacent to the neighborhood. The proposed shelter is considered “low-barrier” because it will have minimal rules for those seeking its services. Identification will not be required, which means that critical details regarding the individuals served — including sex offender status and violent criminal history — may remain unknown. Under proposed shelter rules, those under the influence will be accepted, but those in possession of weapons and drugs will be turned away. The nature and inherent risks involved with this shelter requires the siting criteria to be closely considered. Mike’s Tikes Preschool and St. Michael K-8 School, four blocks away from Madison Elementary and Avanti High School, and directly adjacent to our residential neighborhood. The realization that schools and neighborhoods were never considered in the siting criteria for this high-risk shelter has called into question how Olympia is addressing, or failing to address the emerging and increasing issues of IV drug use, violent crime, and homelessness. It might be tempting to characterize our opposition as a case of “Not In My Backyard.” But the Eastside Neighborhood has a strong history of hosting organizations that help serve the needs of the community. We have long been a supportive neighbor to a variety of social service programs — the Salvation Army (two facilities, on 5th and 4th Avenues), Camp Quixote, Bread & Roses, Sidewalk, First Baptist Sunday Dinners, several transitional and recovery facilities, and soon the Family Support Center in the Smith Building. Additionally, Madison Elementary, a Title 1 school, is host to the “Welcome Room” for children in poverty. In short, the Eastside Neighborhood already shoulders a significant and disproportionate burden of services for the Olympia community. We are actively working with the City of Olympia, Thurston County, the Olympia School District, the Olympia Police Department, and the NGO's to talk about the root of these problems and real solutions to these issues. Visit our website to learn more and to get involved -
concernedeastsideneighbors.wordpress.com. Write us at [email protected]
Keep in Touch:
Facebook - facebook.com/concernedeastsideneighbors
Twitter - twitter.com/olyeastneighbor
Email List - tinyurl.com/cenemaillist
Jim Rainwood's October Woodland Trail update: (1) A discrete explanation of the stolen-bike economy; (2) Uncooperative landowners; and (3) A judge orders halt to inmate work crews on trail - trail is deemed too risky for inmate safety. Watch the update and hear reasons for cleanup delays:
Here's the jerk who beat up a woman and drug her into the woods by St. Martins to assault her. He was riding a large silver bike. Please post and share widely!
10/05/2016
Elderly woman attacked near Lacey City Hall
Lacey police are asking for information about an attempted s*xual assault that took place last week near Lacey City Hall and Saint Martin’s University. According to a statement released Tuesday afternoon, an elderly woman was attacked during the early hours of Thursday, Sept. 29.
08/11/2016
Woodland Trail narco-destruction update accompanied by insightful commentary by Jim Rainwood.
Eastside business "Score" used as a front for narcotics.
Olympia cops: Sporting goods store used as front to sell drugs
OLYMPIA, Wash. -- Police say a local sporting goods store was being used to sell drugs.Four men who were inside the store around 3 a.m. on Friday have been arrested, and police said they found he**in and methamphetamine in the store.Police say the investig
05/05/2016
Federal Way Mayor Takes A Stand Against Narco-Destruction
"In Federal Way we are going to start with where they cannot go.
No one has the legal right to destroy public land or create a public heath risk by leaving hypodermic needles and drugs in the open. No one has the right to take over public spaces like sidewalks and parks.
People do not have the right to destroy wetlands or pollute the environment with dangerous propane tanks strewn about. No one has the right to trespass on private property, leaving property owners with thousands of dollars in damages."
Why have local leaders been silent on anarchist Hate Group violence?
Olympia Leaders Silent on Anarchist Hate Group Attacks
Written by Julia C., Westside Oly Why Are City Councilmembers & County Commissioners Silent on Suppression of Free Speech & Assault by Local Anarchist Hate Groups? On September 5th, a group...